On May 19, representatives from YMCAs around the world came together at Springfield College to witness a historic event — the dedication of the College’s Stitzer YMCA Center. Participants included Todd Stitzer H’07, Mark Stitzer, and Tim Stitzer ’77 — three brothers who made leadership gifts towards creation of the center in honor of their father, the late Howard Stitzer, a long-time YMCA professional. YMCA of the USA Chief Executive Officer Neil Nicoll G’73 and Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn were featured speakers at the event, both focusing on the important relationship between the College and the YMCA. (See page 8 for photos from the event.)

Te Stitzer YMCA Center is part of Judd Gymnasia, originally built in 1894 and the first building on campus. Te facility has undergone a $9.4 million renovation and is the new location of the office of YMCA relations. Te Stitzer YMCA Center includes the campus YMCA Club Room, the YMCA Multipurpose Room (formally East Gym), the corporate offices of the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP), a YMCA of the USA staff resource director office, and the YMCA Hall of Fame. In addition, there is a new Springfield College museum within which the YMCA Hall of Fame is located. West Gym was completely renovated and is now known as Union West to support campus functions through the division of student affairs. A new elevator, air conditioning, modern office space, and beautiful stained glass windows at the entrance and in the museum were all part of the project. Te facility physically encompasses the renewed historic relationship between Springfield College and the YMCA.

Brothers Mark, Todd, and Tim Stitzer (2nd, 3rd &#38; 4th from left), who provided the lead gift in recognition of their father towards the renovation of Judd Gymnasia and the creation of the Stitzer YMCA Center, with their children at the dedication.

Never before in recent memory have there been as many YMCA professionals and retirees on campus to celebrate the role that Springfield College has played in helping to strengthen the YMCA movement. Te renovation was the inspired vision of President Richard B. Flynn to celebrate the historic entwined history this campus has with the YMCA. Te creation of the Stitzer YMCA Center has elevated the stature of the YMCA Hall of Fame and the Springfield College Office of YMCA Relations to a level of prominence never before experienced. Including the AYP headquarters and the YMCA of the USA staff office in the building has truly created a YMCA center for all Y professionals to be proud of.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS ISSUE

Students Travel to CCY Conference in Ohio ....................... Page 2

Students Attend Northeast YMCA Camping Conference ........ Page 2

Students Travel to New Orleans For Week of Service ...................... Page 3